Portland Playback Artistic Director David LaGraffe gives an interview about what makes Playback Theater such a powerful tool to honor people’s stories.

This month, Portland Playback Theatre reenacts your stories “out on the town.”  Late-night escapades, dining out, magic on the streets.

“Why I thought I could get away with bringing two toddlers to a gourmet restaurant is beyond me!” Many of our happiest and most calamitous experiences happen at restaurants and night clubs. Come on in and tell your story or just come to watch the fun!

We would love to honor your story by improvisation- ally ennacting it at our monthly First Friday performance. Bring a story, or just come to enjoy this unique community event. You’ll be glad you did.

7:30 p.m., CTN5 studio, 516 Congress Street

$7 at the door

Greetings Playback Fans,
My little brother Howie and I rolled around on the carpet, had pillow fights and giggled incessantly. He was also my victim, as I jumped out of the closet, scaring the daylights out of him, teasing him and tricking him mercilessly. My older, more serious brother was a distant figure who stayed quite clear of me.
We wonder how our experiences with our siblings have shaped our lives. Have you been, or are you now, in a sibling rivalry? What stories might you share in which a brother or sister has a major role? We would love to honor your story by improvisation- ally ennacting it at our monthly First Friday performance. Bring a story, or just come to enjoy this unique community event. You’ll be glad you did.
Best,
David LaGraffe

The Details:
March 2nd at 7:30 PM. Bring a friend! $5 at the door. No reservations. CTN5 Studio, 516 Congress Street, Portland

This month’s Actors: Margi Huber, Kym Dakin, Marcia Pitcher, Sandra Sneiderman and Colin O’Leary
Conductor: Gracie Cleaves

On Friday, February 3, we explore facing fears … what we learn when we conquer them, and when they conquer us.

Please join us at our usual time and place: 7:30 p.m., CTN5 Studio, 516 Congress Street, Portland.  $5 at the door.

Community Television 5 — Portland Playback’s new home at 516 Congress Street — featured the company in a new series about Portland’s art scene.  Go to the last seven minutes of the video to hear interviews from company members about the work we do, and witness our creative process behind the scenes.

In September, Portland Playback was honored to be able to perform at TEDx Dirigo: Latitudes conference (Maine’s own version of the TED talks).  Here is video from the performance, where we talk about the power of story and improvisation, and play back some stories and feelings from this very powerful day.

Kicking off the new year, January’s First Friday theme is “The Unexpected.” Out-of-the blue letters, calls, visits. Unpredicted failures and unforeseen windfalls. Miracles, reversals. One door closes, another opens. Suddenly we’re traveling in a whole new direction. A totally unexpected fork in the road leads to new vistas. An idea dawns or someone enters your life and everything changes.

This Friday’s Actors: Bob Bittenbender, Margi Huber, Sandra Sneiderman, Andy Colvin and Erin Curran.

Friday, (January 6) at 7:30 PM at CTN (516 Congress Street, right next to the Maine College of Art). Bring a story, or just come to enjoy this unique community event. You’ll be glad you did.

Greetings Friends of Playback!

Our First Friday theme for November 4 is “Dancing with Mother Nature.” How has nature figured into your life? As a sanctuary in times of stress? As an adversary, a deadly foe? Come and share your story and let us play it back! Or just come to witness this important community event!

PORTLAND PLAYBACK THEATRE is now in its sixth year and has ennacted hundreds of audience stories.

This uniquely satisfying community event happens EVERY FIRST FRIDAY at our new location of CTN5 at 516 Congress St., right next to MECA.

Friday, November 4 at 7:30 PM. Bring a friend! Just $5 at the door. No reservations.

Channel 6 interviews company member Marcia Pitcher about the dead Portlanders we’ll be bringing back to life in Eastern Cemetery on Thursday, Friday and Saturday (Oct. 20-22) from 6:30-7:30.